Please review the information below prior to the ceremony and share with your friends, family, and invited guests. We encourage you to return to this page regularly now through the day of your ceremony for the latest updates.
Lot 67 - Graduate Assembly Area
Assemble in Lot 67 between 12 noon and 12:30 p.m.
Please do not arrive before 12 noon to allow time for graduates and guests from the previous ceremony to vacate the venue. On Commencement Day, Sunday, May 18, please plan to arrive in the Lot 67 – Grad Assembly Area (west of the Mullins Center) by 12:30 p.m. in your regalia/cap, gown, and hood. Then follow the posted signs to the designated area for master's and education specialist degree candidates. Commencement ambassadors will be there to guide you through the processional.
Please also note the following:
- The ceremony will be live streamed with captioning for guests to watch from home. The link will appear at the top of the commencement website during the ceremony.
- There is no rehearsal for the commencement ceremony. Commencement ambassadors will be on-site to guide you through the whole process.
- Guest tickets are required at the Mullins Center. Please be sure to transfer any guest tickets to your guests prior to your arrival at Lot 67.
- Remember to wear comfortable footwear. Commencement Weekend entails a lot of walking and standing for most graduates and guests!
Concessions & Dining:
Snacks, light meals, and beverages will be sold at the Mullins Center. Complimentary water will also be available for the graduates.
After the ceremony, enjoy a meal with our award-winning UMass Dining at the Hampshire or Worcester Commons. The People’s Organic Coffee Shop, Harvest Fresh Market on the concourse at the Campus Center, and The Commonwealth Restaurant will be open throughout the weekend.
UMass Dining Facilities Hours of Operations
Security
Our security protocols ensure the safety of our visitors and our campus community. Metal detectors and bag checks will be in place at the entrances to the Mullins Center. Graduates are advised to pack lightly as all items taken into the venue are subject to search. Graduates may not carry backpacks into the arena and there is no secure storage for personal items such as backpacks. The university, therefore, discourages graduates from bringing any bag larger than a 14" x 14" x 6" into ceremonies; exceptions will be made but are subject to search, and must be carried on your person.
Outside food and beverages are not allowed. University regulations strictly prohibit the possession or consumption of alcohol at the arena during the ceremony. Please review the comprehensive list of prohibited items on the Mullins Center website and share this information with your guests.
Signs must be no larger than 11 x 17" and cannot be affixed or hung from any location. Signs must be free of sticks and poles and cannot obstruct the view of others.
Guests are advised to pack lightly for the day as all items taken into the venue are subject to search —the less they are carrying, the faster their party will be able to proceed through security.
Please discuss security measures with your guests ahead of time so everyone is aware of our protocols. Although you can expect security measures to take a little time upon entry, our staff will be there to welcome you and your guests.
Traffic, Parking, & Transportation
Please be advised that there will be heavy traffic on and around the university campus on Commencement Weekend. Several roads will be partially closed or limited to one-directional traffic. Please allow extra time to navigate campus.
Parking will be directed by the UMass Police Department based closest available parking lots.
Accessible parking is available throughout the campus.
Schedule of Activities
Order of Exercises for Sunday, May 18
Below is an abbreviated order of exercises outlining what to expect at the 2:00 p.m. master's and education specialist ceremony at the Mullins Center. All times are approximate.
12 noon - 12:30 p.m. Arrive at the Lot 67 Graduate Assembly Area.
12:30 p.m. Commencement ambassadors will help graduates line up, walk you through security, and prepare for entrance onto the field (the processional).
1:00 p.m. Doors open for guest entry and seating.
2:00 p.m. Ceremony begins with degree candidates procession.
- Graduate students who have earned a master’s or education specialist degree will be individually recognized by name.
- If you did not RSVP to the ceremony on the Tassel website, make sure to stop by the help desk located in Lot 67. The Graduate School staff will issue a yellow GradPass for you, which will ensure that your name is read by the name reader onsite.
The ceremony is expected to last approximately three hours.